What are A-weighted decibels (dBA) used for?

A-weighted decibels (dBA) are specifically designed to reflect the sensitivity of human hearing across different frequencies. This weighting curve reduces the influence of very low and very high frequencies on sound measurements. Human ears are less sensitive to these frequencies, so the A-weighting allows for a more accurate representation of perceived loudness, aligning better with how people experience sound in real-world environments. By using dBA, sound levels can be assessed in a manner that is more relevant to human hearing, making it especially useful in contexts such as environmental noise assessments and workplace noise exposure evaluations. This context is crucial for ensuring that sound measurements align with what individuals are actually hearing, providing a more realistic interpretation of auditory experiences.